We're still here, I promise... just busy little bees.

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So much has been happening and going on in our house hold that I really just don't know where to begin.

We both turned 26... survived mothers day... & I've been working my tail off getting Relay For Life moving and shaking since its NEXT MONTH! Oh man where did the time go?

We are both trucking along and growing together as a couple. Its weird to think that in 7 and a half weeks we will be hitting our one year anniversary!

Just to briefly update, tomorrow SCB will try and sell his pens, bottle openers, and letter openers at the local farmers market so cross your fingers for us because I think SCB has run out of benefits for Unemployment and we can't get through the phones or anything to see if we can extend his benefits (they litterally hang up on you and tell you the lines are full) so we are hoping this can take off and really work out into something great. Who knows, maybe we can branch out to some other farmers markets in the local area?

Wish us luck!

Farmer's Market Run Down...

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Hubby selling at his little stall :)

I'm happy to report that we had a good turn out for our first event!

It was really funny setting up next to the other vendors because we only had one table and all our supplies fit in a small box with wheels and it literally took us 20 minutes to set up (including the EZ up) and it took everyone else a good hour and a half plus. We also have no idea how long it took everyone to tear down because SCB was gone 15 minutes after they closed up the market to shoppers.

What's also funny, the other vendors didn't move much product at all and I think we sold more then then anyone else (but we weren't sure about the Jewelry lady cause SCB didn't talk to her).

Pen in progress!

We ended up selling 7 pens (he had 10 made) and one letter opener (it matched a pen and sold as a set). We were surprised that the bottle openers didn't sell at all and we thought they would sell better then most items since we live in Orange County and people like to drink so we were a little bummed since SCB had made 7 of them and none of them sold. They were also priced $5 more than the pens because the materials cost more then the pen kits, so they may have been just too high. He also made 7 letter openers as well and other then the one set that sold, people weren't too interested in those. We may have to try and lower the price if they don't sell next month just to get our initial money back from them and drop them as a product item. The other possibility it to do matching pens and pencil sets with the letter openers and try and sell them as "executive packages or sets."

We were REALLY glad we had set up the SQUARE account to collect Credit Card transactions because only one person paid in cash. With pens at $15.00 a piece and the letter opener that went for $20.00 so we sold $125.00 in merchandise before the sales tax we collected (so we collected $134.69). Which isn't so bad for our first showing and about 4 hour of sales on the first weekday they offered arts and craft vendors (Word hasn't really gotten out yet). As Summer rolls around the corner I think more people will come out to the market and we might be able to tempt more people.

We spent $20 for the stall, $3.25 in credit card transaction fees, and will be remitting $9.69 back to California for sales tax, so we walked away with $101.75.

Most of these items weren't actually sold
at the market, and went to friends as gifts...
but it gives you an idea of some of the stuff
he makes :)

With Graduation and Father's Day around the corner we are going to take the gamble and apply to be a vendor next month to see if Friday's success was a fluke or not.

Since all the really nice pens sold, we are going to pour our profits from this last sale back into the business and order more supplies and focus on pens. Additionally we are going to order some wine corkscrews and bottle stopper combo sets to see if that resonates with the public better that the standard bottle openers. If we can't move these items at the next farmers market we can always gift them to friends for Christmas and we can always donate some to Child Share to put with their silent auction items (Booze Baskets and Walls of Wine are always large sellers with them and those products would compliment them and give us some business exposure.) We might also be able to sell some items for them in November to some really high end lifestyle people who have lots of money!

Mortgage Update (May 2012)

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Mortgage Update:
Principle paid down: $160.91
Interest: $489.73
Additional Principle: $2.91 


New Balance: $111,776.81

The pay off date is still January 2039 which is 8 months ahead of schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,874.44 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,380.74 I've tossed at the mortgage to date has saved us $4,537.29 in interest over the life of the loan. The extra $2.91 i sent to the mortgage just saved us $7.50 in interest.

All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...

In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one... 

But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every month.

• In 2009 I got the First Time Home buyer's Credit giving us $8,000.00. I also got to write off some of the property tax I paid in addition to taking the standard deduction. This gave us an extra $90.10... but then I had to pay an Electrician $95.00 to fix an outlet... We ended 2009 with a refund from my botched tile job that gave us $1,265.00.
• In 2010 I saved $1,087.00 on my federal taxes and $461.00 on my State taxes from itemizing my homeowners expenses. (This is what I received ABOVE what I would have with just the standard deduction). 
• In 2011 I spent $12.97 at home depot, and $72.29 on a kitchen door, but I received a small $70 refund check from over paid closing costs. We also saved $494.04 by living in our condo instead of renting (See Mortgage Update + Condo Costs December '11 for that break down.) Since we tied the knot in 2011 we won't be able to itemize our housing costs so there's no savings there for us. 

so this leaves us $13,442.49 in the hole...

• If we assume our home is worth at least what we paid for it, then we have $8,223.19 in equity...

Leaving us about $5,219.30 in the hole after 2.75 years.

We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.

Thus far for 2012 we have spent $4,127.68 to live in our condo (Instead of $6,969.25 for the apartment) .

• All Mortgage Payments (including principle, interest, property taxes, MIP, and additional principle:) $3,885.86
• HOA: $1,312.50 ($262.50 a month)
• Home Repairs/Improvements: $0
• Earthquake Insurance: $0
• Homeowners Insurance: $0

If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $132,975.21 to break even.

• This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,978.51)
• Enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for ($5,219.30)
• and enough money to cover the first time homeowners tax credit i'd have to repay for not living in the property for 3 years. ($8,000.00)

But if I wait out the credit, in November of this year I'd be able to sell for $122,378.23

• This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,342.69)
• and enough money to refund the amount I would be in the hole for 8 months down the line assuming I make just the minimum payments till then ($4,238.93)

6 Month Car Insurance Due

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Our 6 month car insurance bills came in the mail this week so its time to pay the piper. When I called in our payment I spoke with a rep about lowering the amount of miles SCB drives since he's not working and driving out to Anaheim anymore and we generally only fill up his car once a month with gas. So I paid our full bill and will be receiving a check in a couple weeks for the discount and then i'll update that in my calculations.

South County Boy: 1991 Ford Escort
Apparently my husband is special because he's ticket and accident free for over 6+ years so he's been claim free for 6+ years so he gets what state farm calls their Superior Driver Rate Level. Hats off to SCB!!!!

• Liability Bodily Injury $100,000/$300,000
• Property Damage $50,000
• Emergency Road Side assistance 
• Uninsured Motor Vehicle Body Injury $30,000/$60,000
• Uninsured Motor Vehicle Property Damage

TOTAL: $198.59 We get a multiple line deduction ($40.10), a Multi-car deduction ($43.87), Driving safety record ($166.78), California good driver ($49.63), and a loyalty discount ($42.97)
South County Girl: 2004 Toyota CamryI'm not so nifty because of the ticket I got a while back for that stupid stop sign so i'm classified as a Level 1 for Driving Safety. At least the discounts I get are higher than his... but that's because it costs more to insure my car since its newer and we keep Comprehensive and Collision on mine and not on his.

• Liability Bodily Injury $100,000/$300,000
• Property Damage $50,000
• Emergence Road Side Assistance
• 500 deductible Comprehensive
• 500 deductible for Collision
• Uninsured Motor Vehicle Body Injury $30,000/$60,000
• Uninsured Motor Vehicle Property Damage

TOTAL: $362.51We get a multiple line deduction ($74.04), a Multi-car deduction ($69.27), Driving safety record ($212.12), California good driver ($91.06), and a loyalty discount ($79.35)
Since these bills are paid every 6 months we take the amount we pay and multiply it by 2, then add our earthquake annual premium and our homeowners annual premium and then divide by 12 figure out how much we need to set aside monthly to cover all our insurance bills. We currently budget in $143 a month to cover our insurance bills. 

Christmas Does Not Always Bring Holiday Cheer

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Christmas brings with it holiday cheer for some but not all.  The Christmas season can be very stressful with all the planning, decorating, etc.  Christmas is particularly stressful for those who are in divorced families for different reasons.  This post will attempt to provide some guidance.  First, there should be a written plan in place which spells out where the child is to go during the Christmas holiday. If there are older children involved, they should be included in the discussion. This discussion may not be possible for a particularly contentious divorce.

Second, parents need to set aside settling old scores and remember that the holiday season is about the children.  And lastly, the non-custodial parent should coordinate concerning the child's Christmas list with the custodial parent.

Concerning visitation, each parent must go into the holiday season with an open mind. They must realize that they are not going to spend as much time with the child during the holidays; mostly because there are grandparents, aunts, and uncles that want to see the child.  If a holiday falls on their assigned visitation day, they should not monopolize the child's holiday.  To avoid confusion for the child and the chaos of going back and forth on one day, perhaps the parents can arrange an alternate holiday schedule. For example, one year a child would spend the entire Thanksgiving with one parent and the next year would switch to the other parent. This avoids the child being shuffled from place to place. Remember when you were married and how difficult it was coordinately holidays with your in-laws; now your child is in that position.

The important thing to remember is that Christmas is about the children. This means do what ever you can to get along with your former spouse, remembering all the positive times you shared as a family.  This can be done by celebrating old traditions and creating new ones. If it is an amicable divorce, perhaps you could arrange a mutual place to have dinner. This creates a sense of normalcy for the child who is experiencing a different Christmas. Above all, make the Christmas season a positive experience for the child.

And last but not least, coordinate regarding gift giving. This is important for two reasons, first because coordination will eliminate duplicate gift giving and second the non-custodial parent tends to over-buy for the child.  The non-custodial parent because of feelings of guilt of not being able to be there for the child during Christmas, will tend to over-buy for the child. This over-purchasing will spoil the child and lead to resentment because the child will come to expect pricer gifts from the non-custodial parent. The most important thing is to not turn the Christmas season into a gift giving competition.

I hope this article provides some guidance thru an extremely painful and difficult holiday season for families that are divorced. With clear communication and a defined plan, the holidays can be far more joyous and less stressful.

Preparing for a Military Yellow Ribbon Event

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This weekend I went to a Military Yellow Ribbon event. Giving legal counsel to men and women who serve our country could quite possibly be one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done.  Think about when you have gone on vacation and you pay some of your bills ahead of time so you don't have to worry about them while you're having fun in the sun. Now imagine you leave for a tour of duty but you don't know if and when you will return home. Can you pay your bills ahead of time not knowing when you're returning back home? Probably not. Therefore, there tends to be some legal issues back home while you are off fighting for your country (e.g. foreclosure, child-support, or alimony).

Thus, at the event, my colleagues and I tried to provide as much information as we could. However, their is so much that these brave individuals are facing you wonder if they are retaining what we and the other vendors are providing. One can see how some veterans could fall thru the cracks without an advocate at home to keep track of all the benefit programs and make calls on their behalf. I would advise bringing a family member or a close friend to one of these Military Yellow Ribbon events who could serve as your advocate.  When you are their I would advise getting as many business cards as you can even if you think it may not pertain to your situation right now. Things may change when you are gone and you may need the resources and at least you will have the information to make the right phone call.

Then, make sure to make a note next to each contact to remind yourself who that person is.  Make sure the note is something you will remember pertaining to what ever he or she is providing. With these simple steps I hope the Military Yellow Ribbon event will be less stressful and a more beneficial event. Thank you for your service.

Having a Lawyer While Filing for Unemployment Is Key

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While filing for unemployment you should have a lawyer  to represent your interests and to familiarize you with the process. According to recent research, you statistically have a better chance of success on your claim if represented by a lawyer. The attorney can also provide you with phone numbers in order to help guide you around the Department of Unemployment Assistance. This is critical advice as the national unemployment rate is around 10%.

Here are some general tips for your unemployment hearing if you cannot obtain an advocate: 1) dress professionally; 2) keep your emotions in check; 3) provide documentation that is relevant to your case; and 4) answer only the question that is asked.

Dressing Professionally: Believe it or not, dressing professionally makes all the difference in the world. It says to the examiner that you take this matter seriously and sets the hearing in the right direction.

Keeping Your Emotions in Check: Someone's employment is part of their identity, particularly those who have worked for the same employer for a long time. In most cases, we spend more time at our job than with our own families. Hence, losing one's job can be both emotionally and financially devastating. Therefore, it is important to keep your emotions in check the day of the hearing. This may be the first time you see your employer since the last day you were employed at the company. The employer may have placed misrepresentations in your Department of Unemployment Assistance file. It is important to keep your eye on the prize and remember it is your benefits you are seeking, and not vengeance against your employer.

Providing Documents That Are Relevant to Your Case: Ultimately, it is your employer's word against yours and the DUA Examiner must make the determination of whether you receive your benefits. Therefore, it is critical to supplement your testimony with documentation.

Only Answer the Question That Is Asked: This may seem self-explanatory, but you only have, at the most, an hour with the examiner and most hearings are finished in far less time. Therefore, the examiner is looking for very specific information, and claimants tend not to answer directly the question that is asked. It is important to answer the questions that are asked directly because it will increase your credibility with the examiner. Do not worry; you will have an opportunity to speak on your own behalf before the hearing is closed.

Hopefully, with these helpful hints, your unemployment hearing will go smoothy and garner the correct result.

To Be Material, or Not to Be?

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This blog will examine what steps need to be taken to file for and prove a material change in circumstance. Part two of this blog will examine the new legislation concerning alimony and its impacts.

First a person must file a complaint alleging a material change in circumstance. The material change in circumstance must be something new that has not been brought to the court's attention during the divorce proceeding. Either party may file for a change in circumstance after the divorce has been granted. If the divorce was settled by an agreement, the agreement must have a merger clause merging the agreement into the final divorce judgment. The merger clause allows for the modification standard to be used rather than a more difficult countervailing equity standard. Some obvious examples of material change in circumstance are a job loss or ill health. These must be explained in the complaint and supported by evidence.

However, there are two different types of material changes in circumstance that are not as obvious as ill health or job loss. First is the situation that involves children. For example, the child has been living with his/her mom and now live with the father. Here, the change in circumstance also deals with the child and not strictly financial issues. Now, there's an additional step to the analysis. The court must now take into account the best interest of the child when considering a material change in circumstance.

The second situation to be aware of is whether either spouse has a new cohabitant. Under the current law in MA, the court considers this a material change in circumstance. Now, the non-cohabiting spouse is entitled to file for a modification of his/her alimony payment.

Furthermore, under current MA law, if one of the spouses remarries, the court may take into account the new spouses income when modifying a previous alimony judgment. This situation has helped form several groups such as the 2nd Wives Club and Mass. Alimony Reform whom have both participated in presenting the Alimony Reform Bill to the Mass. Legislature just last month.   

You can consult Brian McLaughlin for any of your modification needs at www.bmjrlaw.com

Mass Alimony Reform Bill A Light At The End of The Tunnel

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The Mass Alimony Reform Bill was introduced on January 18, 2011 by Senator Gale D. Candaras (D – Wilbraham) and Representative John D. Fernandes (D – Milford). Some may disagree with Candaras and Fernandes but their respective arguments are tough to deny... Candaras argues that the "...Alimony Reform legislation will bring clarity and make more equitable a law in need of revision. It is intended to promote marriage, foster self sufficiency and encourage all individuals to plan for their retirement... ." The final Bill did however take concessions from all sides. As Fernandes explains, "..[t]his bill, borne of a collaborative effort of practitioners, jurists and those advocates who have lived the alimony experience provides the change that is needed. I am anxious to see this legislation move forward to passage.”
This legislation proposes sweeping changes to our antiquated system of awarding and modifying alimony. However, not everyone is happy with the new legislation and the changes it may bring to alimony laws in Massachusetts. The current statute, MGL Chapter 208 Section 34, gives Judges broad discretion in awarding alimony. This discretion in and of itself creates an atmosphere with no direction and drives many cases to trial that may have been settled otherwise. Some say the statute’s vagueness also encourages litigation and discourages people from getting married.
On the other hand, the new system (if enacted) would give much needed guidance and direction to judges, attorneys and litigants. Below is a list of the key reforms proposed under the new bill:

• Providing separate alimony categories with clear definitions and set durational limits (e.g. general term alimony, rehabilitative alimony, reimbursement alimony, and transitional alimony).
• Termination of General Alimony at retirement - Alimony terminates upon payor attaining the full retirement age per the old-age retirement benefit under Social Security.
• Addressing cohabitation - The cohabitation of the recipient spouse with another person for a continuous period of at least three months may be cause for suspension, reduction or termination of alimony.
• Modifying factors considered in an Alimony Order & percentage of need.

For more information on the history of alimony and the proposed changes visit: http://alimonyreform2ndwives.blogspot.com/ and http://massalimonyreform.org/. For more information call the Law Offices of  Brian J. McLaughlin ESQ. 857-241-3689.

What Soldiers Need To Know About USERRA

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It doesn’t matter whether you are just enlisted, already in action or waiting for another tour of duty yet it is imperative that you understand and utilize the broad federal protection under USERRA. This law is a federal statute that protects civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and members of the Reserves.
There are many factors about this law that are important; too many for one blog. I will therefore make this a 3 part series on what I consider a very important statute.
A. Notice To Employers#160; The first factor you should understand is the obligation you have under the law to provide advance written or verbal notice to your employers for all military duty. Fortunately, there are exceptions. You will still have protection if giving notice to your employer is 1) impossible, 2) unreasonable, or 3) precluded by military necessity. For example, being deployed to Iraq or any other war zone would satisfy these exceptions. However, if an exception doesn’t apply, you should provide notice as far in advance as is reasonable under your individual circumstances. Additionally, you are allowed to use accrued vacation or annual leave while performing your duty but you are not required to.

B. Important Time Considerations Under USERRA, there are also strict time lines you must adhere to when applying for reemployment or reporting back to your job. The period you have to apply for reemployment or report back to work after service is based on the time you spent on duty. You should commit these to memory so you can take advantage of your statutory rights.

• Service of less than 31 days: You must return at the beginning of the next regularly scheduled work period on the first full day after release from service. You may also take into consideration safe travel back home and an 8 hour night of sleep.   
• Service of more than 30 days but less than 181 days: You must submit an application for reemployment within 14 days of release from service.
• Service of more than 180 days: Your application for reemployment must be submitted within 90 days of release from service.

I hope this was helpful in getting you interested in finding out more about your rights and protections under USERRA.

Stay tuned for Part II of our 3 part series. You can find out more information about your rights by visiting the Veterans' Employment and Training Service(VETS) website.

Save Money with Cloth Diapers

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Looking for another way to save money? Cloth diapering (if you have a baby or toddler that is not yet potty-trained) is great for the environment, and will save a ton of cash. There is an intial investment, when you buy all the cloth diapers & diaper covers, but then that's it! Just invest in some Fuzzi Bunz or Bummis diapers (Or Kushis or BumGenius) and then use them.. and use them.. and use them.. No more late-night rush to the store for a pack of diapers- as long as you're doing laundry, you have a never-ending supply.
Don't want the hassle of doing all that laundry, or need something for trips out of the house? Try the gDiaper - these space-age diapers are flushable!

Looking for Work as a Freelance Writer?

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Are you looking for work as a freelance writer? Try Suite101, Examiner, About.com or Demand Studios! Looking for more information? Read Freelance Writing Jobs That Pay.

Sign up for Examiner here: Having trouble with the application? Leave a comment for application success tips!

Sign up for Constant Content here: Having trouble getting an article approved? Leave a comment & get personalized help!

Get Credit Repair Help

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Looking for someone to help you repair your credit? Maybe you should be looking in the mirror! Credit repair is easy and free if you do it yourself. If you use a credit repair service, it may be costly... or even a scam. Check this out before you make your decision:

Credit Report Repair Services - Who Can You Trust To Fix Your Credit?

Many credit report repair services are actually credit repair scams. Who can you trust to fix your credit score without scamming you out of cash?

Understanding FICO & Beacon & Empirica Ratings

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What's the difference between FICO, FICOII, Credit Beacon Ratings and Empirica Ratings? FICO is an acronym that stands for Fair Isaac Corporation - it's the standard by which credit ratings are calculated. All of the others are the way that each of the Big Three credit reporting agencies apply the FICO calculations. Each is slightly different - learn more in Equifax Credit Beacon Scores vs. Empirica Scores and FICO II.

Bad Credit? Try Secured Credit Cards!

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If the economy has trashed your credit rating, don't worry- you're not alone! If you want to get your credit rating back, try applying for secured credit cards, but make sure you pick the right one!

Credit Repair Cards - Where To Find The Best Secured Credit Cards

Credit repair cards can help someone with a low credit score re-establish a positive credit history, but choosing the right secured credit card is critical.

Voce of America for ELL ...and maybe basic English readers

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Who knew that Voice of American has a wide variety of topics, news, practice session, vocabulary building activities???  The site is well done with podcasts, audio articles sentence by sentence that is read to those interested  in learning English.. It has a dictionary, matching activities that could be used by adult basic new readers. The topics are of adult interest.  Check it out and let us know what you think.

Graphic Organizers

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Graphic organizers provide an interesting way for a writer to outline their thoughts before they put their pen to paper (or fingers to computer keys!).  There are many forms that can be used -- based on the purpose of the writing.  http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1grorg.htm  describes the different  types of graphic organizers and how they could be used with students.

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/  has a variety of forms in pdf format to print off and use.  This site is maintained by the company, Houghton Mifflin.

Here are some examples from the site:
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/sandwich.pdf Sandwich: uses different parts of a sandwich to outline details for a story

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/factopin.pdf fact and opinion

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/ideawheel.pdf Idea wheel

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/storymap2_eng.pdf Story Map plot

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/persuasion.pdf Persuasion map

Researchers' Symosium December 3

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Sharon Jaskula, VALF Advisory Board member, is inviting you to the following free workshop.


The Florida Literacy Coalition, the Jacksonville Public Library, and the Literacy Council of Jacksonville are proud to host a Researchers’ Symposium focusing on Workplace Education, Writing Strategies, Comprehension Skills, and Transitioning Learners to Post-Secondary Education.  Researchers from universities across the country will be on hand to share best practices and new approaches.

Please join us on Saturday, December 3 from 1:00-5:00 for this free event at the Jacksonville Public Library (Conference Level Auditorium).  Registration is required; the registration link to the pdf with a list of presenters and session descriptions below.
  
For more information, please contact the Florida Literacy Coalition (800-237-5113) or visit www.floridaliteracy.org


For more information and to register...

Welcome New Coordinator In Hillsborough County

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This was just announced in the Hillsborough Literacy Council Newletter... Hillsborough Literacy Council, Inc. has a new coordinator! Juliet Douglas served as Adult Literacy Coordinator since March 2010. She just added mobile services (the Bookmobile and Cybermobile) to her span of supervision and Ann Delaney has been selected as the new Adult Literacy Coordinator. 
Ann has been a librarian with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries for almost twenty-five years. She started in Fine Arts at the main library. Next, she shared her enthusiasm for fiction and audio books as a reader's advisor and book discussion leader. She worked at several branch libraries including the Talking Books Library, where digital audio players allow the blind to keep reading. Lately, library customers have kept her busy explaining databases and eReaders. Having explored information literacy and computer literacy, she is eager to assist those of you helping people read and communicate at the most basic and necessary levels.

Ann officially became the new literacy coordinator on February 27, 2012. We welcome Ann and look forward to the wealth of experience she will bring to HLC's literacy programs.

Free E-books for Learning Disabled

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Bookshare provides Accessible Books and Periodicals for Readers with Print Disabilities.  It is as free for all U.S. students with qualifying disabilities, thanks to an award from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

This is a searchable online library. Bookshare offers over 134,000 digital books, textbooks, teacher-recommended reading, periodicals and assistive technology tools. Ten New York Times bestsellers are added each month.

How to Qualify
If you are a K-12 student in the U.S. who has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with a specific language learning disability and a need for text accommodations, your school should be able to confirm that you qualify and sign you up for Bookshare membership. Post-secondary, adult, or non-U.S. students should be able to obtain equivalent qualifications if they have a significant learning disability that affects reading.

Top Ed-Tech Pick Recognition


Please comment if you have access to this or other e-book resources.

Wish List File

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Two significant things happened to me this week. First, I got my files in order (thank you Kacy Paide of The Inspired Office !) I now have folders for: unemployment, writing, networking, office work samples, and creative work samples. Plus, one more: the Wish List. While most of my files are dedicated to past or current projects, only the Wish List is truly forward looking. In it, I'm placing reminders of the things I want to do when I'm employed again.

And that leads me to the second significant thing that happened this week. I did a Google search on Love Your Layoff, and discovered an endorsement from the poet Jessica Smith on her LookTouchBlog. What really moved me about Jessica's post was her own story of unemployment, having to go stretches of time without a paycheck, and how recently worries about money have slowed her writing.

Jessica's life inspires me in so many ways. Her dedication to writing and publishing poetry is something I never had the guts to try.

My first reaction to her post was anger at the world for not being more supportive of poets. But then I realized that it was not the "world" that needed to be more supportive, it was me. That poetry was something I loved, that I admired Jessica's work, and I hadn't done enough to support it when I was employed.

So, the first item I added to my Wish List file was a copy of Foursquare as a reminder to purchase a subscription when I'm employed again--ditto for 32Poems and Flim Forum press .

Now here's the challenge: if you're unemployed, take a moment to consider what you would like to support when you're employed again. What's really important to you? Who has inspired you? What programs, organizations, artists or writers have changed your life? Then start your file. Perhaps there are ways you can help already. Things that don't cost money, such as volunteering or even writing a nice thank-you note. I guarantee it will make you feel good.

And, if you are employed, maybe there are some organizations and people you can support today. Make a list and act on it.

Filing for Unemployment--an Opportunity

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Consider developing a partnership between the literacy program and your library to help with a new demand.  Beginning August 1, 2011, some of the rules changed for filing for unemployment.  Adults now have to file for benefits online.  Previously they had the choice to file online or make a phone call.  New applicants also have to complete a skill survey--which is being called discriminatory by some-- for those who cannot read well enough to complete the survey.  Adults are scrambling to meet the requirements and are waiting inline at computers in libraries.  Learn how you can help....

What can you do???? Your literacy program's trained tutors could help staff library computers set aside for E-Government.  Adults usually need longer than the time limits in libraries for their regular computers.  Libraries need to set up E-government and adult literacy computers to allow two at a station.  I know volunteers are in short supply, but there will be some out there who would be interested.  Tutors may be able to volunteer monthly to staff a computer to help someone apply for unemployment --when they cannot  tutor weekly.  They could come in one day a month. Mondays and Tuesdays are busy days for filing.   Snowbirds who get some training in working with those who cannot read well are another pool a literacy program can tap in partnership with their library.



If your literacy program wants to build a closer relationship with your public library, this may be an opportunity.  Again,  I know that we don't have enough volunteers --and thus you may be wondering why you should share???  Well, the more a literacy programs help the library as a partner, the more you will get back. Even though money is in short supply, many libraries have funds for literacy books, online literacy instruction  and more etc.

You probably have unused talent in your program. Often programs have trouble matching tutors because of scheduling or location issues.  This could be one way to tap into a volunteers interest in giving their time at their preferred library.  It might even be a way to use unemployed volunteers interested in helping.  They would know this process well.

Let VALF know what you think and share other strategies below related to partnership opportunities.

Thanks,
Sandy Newell, President, VALF

Connecting Learners to Social Services

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Providing connections to social and community services are an important part of a successful volunteer adult literacy program, and these services are becoming harder and harder to access.  As Florida continues to close government offices, libraries and information and referral provider are filling the void.

Find out if you have an Information and Referral provider or where your closest library is located to learn about your community's social services.  All volunteer literacy programs need to provide this information to their tutors and students with-in workshops and via tools like Facebook, Twitter, E-mail and more.

Florida has a statewide organization representing information and referral professionals.  Their conference is in February.

Adult Literacy Statistics to Tell the Story

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Since it is grant writing time, many of you are searching for the most current literacy statistics.  For a variety of  reasons, a lot of the data you are finding may be considered old.  The best data is almost 9 years old and comes from the National Adult Literacy Survey.  Census data on educational attainment is now 10 years old--since the new number of those lacking a high school diploma or for those at the 8th grade or lower level is not yet published. This requires you to be creative as you make the case for the need which relates to the grant guidelines or the story you want to tell.
 
There are many ways to demonstrate that low literacy is a problem in your community.  You will want to start with the most solid data based on the National Adult Literacy Survey and link it with current statistics.  The Survey was done in 1992 and repeated in 2003 which provided trend data for the first time. Even though Florida chose not to participate in the 2nd survey,  county data was extrapolated from the national findings and released about a few years ago. Here is that data.


Other more current indicators of low literacy


Florida Graduation rate is at 80% This link takes you to several publications at the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) web page.  You will need to scroll down on the page to see the actual tables with the graduation and dropout rates by county.  Florida Department of Education announced the improved rate in December 2011.  This rate is expected to go down next year because the numbers enrolled in adult education programs will not be included for the first time.



When you view the publication with dropout rate, you will see that Florida's dropout rate was 1.9%.  Data is also available by counties and even schools.  When using this data for a grant, the data can be better understood when you provide comparisons.  For example,  Highlands County had a high 7% dropout rate.  Neighboring Okeechobee had a 5% rate as compared to a low of point two per cent (.2%) in Okaloosa County in the Florida panhandle.

 School testing grades:  An assumption can be made that if the school' scores are poor, eventually students dropout and blend into their community.  The national survey found that 55% of those with out a high school diploma read at a below basic prose literacy rate as compared to 15% with a high school diploma.

For more background data go to the VALF public wiki or to the Florida Literacy Coalition. The Coalition has a booklet of statistics which was published in 2007.

Health Literacy Grant -- Feb. 16 Conference call

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A second conference call is scheduled for prospective applicants regarding the 2012 Florida Health Literacy Initiative grant (information below). We will provide an overview of the grant application process and answer any questions. The conference call will take place this Thursday, February 16th, at 10 A.M. Participation is optional.


Dial-in number: 1-800-567-5900
Participant access code: 359700

2012 Health Literacy Grant Opportunity



An initiative of the Florida Literacy Coalition, sponsored by
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and the Florida Literacy Coalition are pleased to continue the availability of $5,000 mini-grants to support health literacy.

Low health literacy costs between $106 to $236 billion a year in the form of longer hospital stays, emergency room visits, increased doctor visits, and increased medication, according to a recent report from the University of Connecticut. Adults with low literacy levels often fail to engage in early detection and preventive health care. They also have significant difficulties navigating the health care system and following their doctor's treatment plans.

The Florida Health Literacy Initiative provides training, resources, and funding to assist Florida ESOL and family literacy programs to integrate health education into their instruction. The objective is to help students develop basic literacy and English language skills while gaining information to make informed choices regarding their health and nutrition.


Applicants must be nonprofit or government-based organizations providing adult ESOL and/or family literacy instruction in Florida. Services may be delivered via classes, small groups, and one-to-one tutoring.


Go to the Florida Literacy Coalition for the application and guidelines. Proposals must be received by March 8, 2012.  This is in an earlier blog post.

If you have any questions, please contact Maribeth Buie at 407-246-7110 ext. 209 or via email at buiem@floridaliteracy.org.

Free Book on Speaking and Cultural Terms

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"On Speaking and Cultural Terms" contains linguistic and cultural information for 27 different languages in an easy to use and reproducible format. The sections of the book include an Overview of linguistic sounds, Sounds of English, Culture and Language information, Practice Sentences to be used with students and a Bibliography that includes references to additional material you may find useful.

Low Level E-Books for ELL

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Best of the Reader has 14 titles which come from a newspaper for English Language Learners, the Westcoast Reader.  This is one place that you can find very low level titles.  Each comes with practice activities and a teachers guide.  If you are looking for a quick, easy to use selection, check these out. 
They are free and can be downloaded to read on your Kindle or as a pdf using adobe connect.  I downloaded Amazing Stories.  Once I selected the title, I had to go to downloads on my Kindle Fire to read the book.  It was the icon that looks more like a table of contents at the bottom of the screene.  One of the selections there is downloads. Once you select that you will see titles you have downloaded.  You can then chose Amazon Kindle which pages through like a Kindle book or Adobe Reader where you go down to reach the pages.  Either way was easy.

Examples of stories in this book include: Students and teacher deliver baby, Climber loses nine fingers and People rescue trapped horses.  Exercises are included with answers along with a crossword puzzle.

Online Giving Tools

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Do you want to know more about some of the online tools your literacy program could get through online donations?  Read reviews of different sites at Forbes best of the web.  It looks like some sites get a 3% cut of any donation.  Several have unique ways a person can give. El Centro, a literacy program in California uses www.JustGive.org.  The site gives the opportunity to honor a couple's wedding with a donation. Many have a way to put an app on your web or facebook page. 

As you see at the top of our blog, VALF uses paypal for you to  make it easy to pay for your VALF membership.  Join VALF today to get access to our members only wiki.

Share with VALF any online fundraising tools you have used.  What did you like or dislike about them?

VALF Technogy Petting Zoo & Annual Meeting May 10

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Do you use your cell phone to make lessons fun and provide authentic instruction for students? Would you like to learn more about Apps on your Smart Phone & Kindle Fire?  Have you used texting to share a word of the day or provide other practice for students ?  Would you like to learn more about using portable technology to enhance instruction?  Come to the VALF Annual Meeting at the Florida Literacy Conference.

Our program is titled:  VALF Literacy Technology Petting Zoo  Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 10 at 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM at the Hilton in downtown St. Petersburg 

Bring your own dumb or smart phone, e-book, laptop or tablet or try out ours and hook into free wireless provided by VALF during the program. 
Win a door prize at the Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida (VALF) Annual Meeting.
The presenters will be Sandy Newell, President  and Sara Nelson, Secretary, Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida

Technology Petting Zoo VALF URLS

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valflorida@hotmail.com

http://literacyfloridavolunteers.blogspot.com/

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.livemocha.com/

http://www.glogster.com/

http://www.cowbird.com/

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/

http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/books/ebooks.html

http://allrecipes.com/

My Vacation Lite http://www.jasperapps.com/my-vacation-videos

Next Exit History http://nextexithistory.com/

Access My Library

Florida Electronic Library http://www.flelibrary.org/

Link to article 2.

10 Health And Fitness Apps To Download Now. Heather Hurlock. Details. 30.5 (Mar. 2012) p130. Word Count: 573. Reading Level (Lexile): 1000.Byline: BY HEATHER HURLOCK 10 HEALTH AND FITNESS APPS TO DOWNLOAD NOW HOW YOUR PHONE CAN MANAGE YOUR TRAINING, HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING, AND ERADICATE PAIN. SMART INDEED. EYESIGHT APP: Vision COST: $1 WHY YOU NEED IT: Give ...

Kindle Fire Apps

Speed Reading Trainer by Ivy Standard Tutoring https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gxrtech.speedread&hl=en

Citizenship Flash Cards and Practice App

US Government Citizenship Study Tools

Translators Apps

http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/multilanguage



Source:

“Cell Phones in the Classroom? Yes” in the Fall 2011 issue of Adult Basic Education and Literacy Journal

http://literacyfloridavolunteers.blogspot.com/

What Soldiers Need To Know about USERRA Part II

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A.  Overview of Part I: 
Notice To Employers – You have an obligation under the law to provide advance written or verbal notice to your employers for all military duty (exceptions apply).

Important Time Considerations – You must adhere to strict time lines when applying for reemployment or reporting back to your civilian job (based on the time you spent on duty).

B.   What Circumstances May Disqualify You from Asserting USERRA?There are four (4) circumstances that would disqualify you from asserting your rights under USERRA. You should commit these to memory to avoid any unforeseen disqualifying situations. They are as follows:1)    Dishonorable and/or bad conduct discharge;2)   “Other than honorable” discharge (each branch of the military has sp ecific rules governing this
type of discharge);3)    Dismissal of a commissioned officer via court martial or a Presidential order in time of war (see 10 U.S.C. 1161(a)); and4)    Dropped from the rolls by the President for being absent without authority for more than three (3) months or imprisonment by a civilian court (see 10 U.S.C. 1161(b)). Losing your right to assert USERRA upon returning to civilian life can have a devastating effect on the rest of your life and that of your family. Therefore, as a servicemember, you should be well aware of these possibilities before and during your service.
C.   Documentation Upon ReturnUnder USERRA, your employer has rights also. You would be misinformed if you believed USERRA protects you and only you. For example, if an employee has been absent for a period of service longer than thirty-one (31) days an employer has the right to request documentation showing:
1)    Your timely application for reemployment;2)    You have not exceeded the five (5) year service limitation; and 3)    Your separation from service was other than disqualifying (see 38 U.S.C. 4304). Furthermore, if this documentation does not comply with USERRA because it is not readily available or simply does not exist, your employer MUST reemploy you. However, if you have been reemployed and this documentation later becomes available showing you have violated the requirements, your employer may terminate you. If you happen to be terminated, any benefits you may have been granted will also come to an end.
As you can see, you have an impressive amount of responsibility when it comes to asserting your rights under USERRA. It is imperative that you learn and understand this statute and its procedures.
Stay tuned for Part III: A.   Your Position Upon ReemploymentB.    Disabilities Incurred or Aggravated While In ServiceC.   Employer’s Defenses to Reemployment

Divorce Process

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This blog will explain the steps in a divorce, and what you will need to provide an attorney.  As you navigate through the process,  the first document you will need to bring is your original marriage certificate.  Sometimes clients want to keep this for their records or just simply to remember a time in their life.  The court however needs the original document.  The divorce will not be able to proceed unless the original is filed with the court. The second set of documents you will need are three years of your tax returns.  These forms can include 1099s 1098s and W-2's.  You also need three most current pay stubs from your employer.  It should be noted there are no gotcha moments in family law.  Everything is about disclosure and the best interest of the child.

When you get to my office (www.bmjr law.com), I will have the necessary forms for you to fillout. These forms include the Complaint for Divorce, Affidavit Disclosing Care and Custody, Statistical Report, and finally the Military Affidavit.  If applicable, you may fill out an Affidavit of Indigency which waives the court costs of $215.  The above-mentioned forms tell the court information about you, such as whether a spouse is in the military or if there are any care and custody proceedings already pending within the court system.

Once the divorce paperwork is filed, you should attend the parent education class, which is a requirement under Massachusetts law, if the parties have a minor child.  It is important that you attend this class.  Otherwise, the divorce will not proceed.  The parent education class seeks to provide guidance for children as their family structures are changing.

Once you've completed the parent education class you should begin working on the financial statement.  The financial statement breaks down your expenses in your life to determine how much child support and/or alimony you should receive.  I heard a judge recently say at a conference that both child support and/or alimony should not exceed 1/3 of the defendants income. Typically the longer the marriage, the more likely you will receive alimony. 

The opposing party has 20 days to respond to the complaint for divorce.  Once the 20 days have past I can file for a pretrial conference where the judge will attempt to settle the case or determine whether the case should go to trial.  Prior to the pretrial conference a four-way meeting must occur.  The four-way meeting is to allow all parties to discuss the issues in the case to determine which issues they agree or disagree on.  It is important to approach the pretrial conference with an open mind and a willingness to compromise.  This may be very difficult in some cases I realize.  At the pretrial conference the judge will determine the status of discovery and set a trial date.  If needed, he may also direct the parties to a probation officer to see if an agreement can be reached if the case is appropriate.  The vast majority of divorce cases settle during the pretrial phase.  Trials usually are over custody issues and can be painful for all sides.  It is important to remember that the best interest of the child is what's most important.  I hope you found this blog to be helpful in outlining the basic process of divorce.

New Anti-Bullying Statute in Massachusetts

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The recent news about sentencing in the tragic case of Phoebe Prince throws the problem of bullying in our nation’s schools back in to the spotlight. Prince was 15 years old when she committed suicide in January of 2010 in South Hadley, MA following relentless bullying by her peers. Her death has elevated awareness of bullying and has spurred legislative changes around the country.Massachusetts passed a new anti-bullying statute in May 2010 in direct response to the incident. St.2010, c.92 titled Bullying in Schools contains several important provisions designed to protect students from bullying and harassment. The law specifically addresses cyber-bullying a new type of bullying in today’s digital world. With Facebook, cell phones and other forms of electronic communication children who were once solely bullied while at school are now subject to a relentless wave of harassment following them when they leave school at the end of the day. The law also requires schools to create a plan to implement programs both to prevent bullying and provide successful intervention in consultation should incidents of bullying come to light. Bullying is of particular concern to children with disabilities since they are already in a vulnerable state. According to a recent survey by the Massachusetts Advocates for Children, 90% of parents with autistic children reported that their child had been the target of bullying. In response to this concern, the Department of Special Education has issued a Technical Advisory with guidelines and resources concerning bullying and special needs children. The Advisory places particular emphasis on addressing bullying prevention in your child’s IEP and ensuring that your child has a safe person to go to if they are being bullied. The IEP should have a section for educational professionals to comment on whether your child seems withdrawn or is not socializing appropriately because of bullying. This portion of the IEP should also provide tools for the child to use themselves when confronted with bullying.Read the full Massachsetts Statute here


Read the Technical Advisory from the Department of Special Education here

What Soldiers Need To Know about USERRA Part III

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A.   Overview of Part I:

•  Notice To Employers – You have an obligation under the law to provide advance written or verbal notice to your employers for all military duty (exceptions apply).
•   Important Time Considerations – You must adhere to strict time lines when applying for reemployment or reporting back to your civilian job (based on the time you spent on duty).

B.    Overview of Part II:

• What Circumstances May Disqualify You From Asserting USERRA? - 1) Dishonorable and/or bad conduct discharge; 2) “Other than honorable” discharge (each branch of the military has specific rules governing this type of discharge); 3) Dismissal of a commissioned officer via court martial or a Presidential order in time of war (see 10 U.S.C. 1161(a)); and 4) Dropped from the rolls by the President for being absent without authority for more than three (3) months or imprisonment by a civilian court (see 10 U.S.C. 1161(b)).  
• Documentation Upon Return - 1) Your timely application for reemployment; 2) You have not exceeded the five (5) year service limitation; and 3) Your separation from service was other than disqualifying (see 38 U.S.C. 4304). 

C.    Part III:
       Although you're re-employment should be safe and secure if you follow the rules, your employer does have defenses to rehiring you. The defenses your employer may utilize are called affirmative defenses. This means that the employer has the burden of proving them by a preponderance of the evidence (i.e. anything over 50%). Two affirmative defenses your employer may utilize are: 

1. Changed Circumstances: Re-employment may be excused if the employer's circumstances have changed so that re-employment of the service member would be impossible or unreasonable. An example of this scenario would be a reduction-in-force that would have included the service member.
2. Undue Hardship: Employers are excused for making any effort to qualify the returning service member or from accommodating individuals with service-related disabilities only when doing so would be of such difficulty or expense as to cause "undue hardship" on the employer.

       If you have any questions or concerns about your re-employment or lack thereof you will find information and technical assistance provided by the Veteran's Employment and Training Service (VETS) of the Department of Labor (see VETS). VETS investigates complaints and attempts to resolve them. Filing of complaints with VETS is entirely optional. You may therefore freely choose to pursue a claim with private counsel.  

Restraining Orders 101: Part 1

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This is a two part series about the Restraining Order process in Massachusetts. Part 1 will give information if you are considering requesting a restraining order while Part 2 will detail the process of obtaining the protective order. 

Restraining Orders 101If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, a restraining order may be a valuable tool to keep you safe. If you are in immediate danger, call the police. Restraining orders, or 209A protective orders, are court orders that prohibit an abuser from coming within a certain distance of you or contacting you over the phone, e-mail, etc. and are thus designed to prevent further abuse. When you file for a restraining order, it is a civil claim. This means that the person you are accusing will not be sent to jail or fined if the restraining order is issued. However, if the abuser violates the terms of the restraining order, it does become a criminal issue, meaning they could face either fines or jail time. In Massachusetts there are several important things to know when considering a restraining order. First of all, only certain types of relationships are eligible for restraining order coverage. These relationships are: §  A substantive dating relationship§  Living together in the same household§  Engaged or married§  Have a child together§  Related by blood or marriageWhen you appear before a judge, the judge will only grant the restraining order if the relationship falls into one of the above categories and is therefore covered by law and if he or she believes there is “a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse.” If a restraining order is granted, the abuser will need to surrender all guns and gun licenses to the police. This rule enacted by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996 affects all people subject to restraining orders including those with who carry guns for their occupations such as police officers or military personnel.